30.5.13

Yesterday was our third wedding anniversary. Tonight we'll be heading out on the town, to eat steak and talk future adventures. You know how much I adore you, my love. Then, now and forever. Photo by Tori.

25.5.13

She laughs and says 'hello' and 'bye bye' to everyone we meet. She brings smiles to the faces of strangers, young and old. Her happiness and kindness is infectious, and she teaches us to be better people. Taking part in Jodi's 52 Project.

24.5.13

Last week my lovely friend Ash and I took our girls out for a walk along the canal, to one of the prettiest parks in Bath. Despite the threat of rain, the sunshine broke through the clouds and warmedup the afternoon perfectly so Josephine and Aoife ran round the section of Sydney Gardens we'd claimed as our own while the Mama's sat back, soaked up the sun and enjoyed a chat.

Our babies have grown together and it was so lovely to see them play so independently and happily. It was a glorious afternoon.

The girls and I ran round the grass before settling on the bench for a rest when Ash went to fetch us some hot drinks from the Holburn Museum's cafe, where the guy that served her remarked on how seeing the children play was 'like watching memories being made'.

I love afternoons like this. Where a little walk turns into a wonderful few hours of discovery and fun for the kiddos and inspiring and supportive conversation for the grown-ups. The coffee shop dude was right, for sure.

20.5.13

Right now, Josephine is obsessed with colouring. At least three times a day she'll take my hand asking 'Mama, colour?' and lead me to the drawer where we keep her notebook and a bundle of colouring pencils.It kills me when she lays on the floor, paper in front of her and carefully picks a pencil before setting to work on her masterpiece, with such serious concentration. It's things like this that really reflect what a little girl she has become. Not a baby anymore. A few days ago, Josephine had taken her colours and hidden behind the table, when Ben and I discovered her exploring a new canvas. Her little naked leg! She chuckled as we questioned what she'd done, clearly very pleased with herself. Oh, how we adore our little artist.

14.5.13

Oh the joy bubbles can bring, even on the coldest and wettest days.
Lying on the floor with a cascade of bubbles tumbling down, chasing them round trying to catch them or laughing a hearty chuckle as they pop on her nose. So much happiness from such a simple act. We can all learn a lot from our little people.

13.5.13

On Saturday afternoon, we wrapped up against the onset of cold winds and rain (that hot weather didn't last long!) and wondered off to the woods, walking along the river. Josephine loved every minute, following to winding pathways through the overgrown mass of nettles and wildflowers and pointing at this and that; always wanting to get closer to the water. Beautiful time spent with my loves.

It was my birthday on Friday. 29. Ben had holiday from work and we had a very lazy day as the rain poured outside. Family gathered at our house in the evening for Fajitas and the most chocolaty of cakes. Both were delicious, and both were devoured by Ben and I yesterday too. I got so many awesome presents, they warrant a post of their own; everything from my Wishlist and more. A stupendous haul of goodies.

It was a lovely day and now I'm in the last year of my twenties. I wonder what adventures the next 12 months will bring...

9.5.13

Over the last few days, after walking the garden when he gets home from work, Ben has bought me the sweetest posies of flowers. Fallen specimens, rescued by The Boy and quietly placed in my favourite vase for me to discover. Such beautiful blooms, such a beautiful husband. Linking up with Lou's Nature in the Home series. This morning, Josephine and I met up with Lou for the first time, despite following each others blogs for years and living only half an hour away from each other. I'm so glad we finally did - Lou is such a sweet lady, and super cool too. Lou, I want your denim shirt! I can't wait for another meet up soon :) x

8.5.13

These two. When Ben takes Phiney out for some fun in the garden, I should really use it as a time to wash up in peace, do some ironing or even sit and relax. But these two... it's hard not to just spy on them from our bedroom window.Josephine following her Papa around helping him plant this and water that, and Ben cherishing the opportunity to spend time with his little bird; each completely and utterly besotted with the other.Two peas in a pod.

3.5.13

I am so excited to say that Happy Circus' knitted boy's bow ties are now stocked at the very cool and super stylish Little Hanbury; a new store especially for the little boys in your life. Owner Sarah has sourced the highest quality pieces from around the world and her store is packed with items you're going to love; including my little bow ties, of course. Alongside my green and blue designs is a custom mustard yellow design, and they are styled to perfection with Quenotte and Imps and Elfs shirts. Classic and traditional yet so modern, and totally gorgeous. Go check it out :)

1.5.13

It's become part of Phiney's morning to take her pram, her doll Jenny, her favourite bag, aka Mama's bag, her phone (our old home phone) a little purse I gave her, my car keys and a few other random trinkets (over the last few days these have included a pompom, piece of junk mail she claimed as her own, wooden fork - you know, what every Mama needs on a trip out) and declare 'shops!'

She marches off, pulling her pram and never pushing it, shouting 'bye, bye' as she parks herself in this little spot; at the top of the stairs, between our bedroom and the living room. Every morning I ask her if she can buy some cheese and bananas. Every morning she repeats, over and over, 'cheese...bananas'.

Watching her play really is a privilege. She chats to Jenny, puts her to sleep in the pram before getting her up and feeding her some food. She pull stuff out of her bag and shoves them back in again and wonders round with her pram with real purpose. I try to observe all this without her seeing me; I try not to giggle with delight as she plays.

Josephine, you are such a good and kind little Mama. My sweet, sweet girl.

HELLO, I'm Nell and this is my journal. Documenting magical days with my husband Ben and our daughters, Josephine and Coralie; recording the adventures we have together. Life is always beautiful with these three.